Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture stresses the importance and also the possibility of a true experience of the living God. This is contrasted with the more academic knowledge about him. Experiential knowledge of God comes through personal encounter, through the witness of the Holy Spirit, through reflection on his past goodness and through the shared experiences of others. Job 42:5Personal experience of God See also Contrasted with academic knowledge Jeremiah 31:34John 4:42; 5:39-40 James 2:19 Psalms 34:8 See also Experience of God's blessing 1 Peter 2:3Hebrews 6:4-5 Matthew 22:29 John 5:39-40 Experiencing God through Scripture Acts 17:11-122 Timothy 3:15-17 Romans 8:15-16 See also Knowing God through the Spirit John 14:16-17,26; 16:14-151 Corinthians 2:9-10 Isaiah 64:4 Deuteronomy 11:2-7 See also Examples of personal encounter with God Deuteronomy 5:3-4Genesis 32:30 Exodus 3:3-4 Jacob Isaiah 6:1Moses Acts 9:3-6Isaiah 2 Corinthians 12:2-4Saul of Tarsus Revelation 1:17Paul John Zechariah 8:23Sharing experience of God See also Experience of God through his people Isaiah 45:141 Corinthians 14:24-25 Joshua 24:31 See also Leaders with experience of God Numbers 12:8Judges 6:22 Acts 1:21-22 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 2 Peter 1:16-18 Deuteronomy 4:9-10 See also Speaking to future generations Exodus 10:2Deuteronomy 6:20-21 Job 8:8-9 Psalms 71:18 Deuteronomy 7:18-19 See also Speaking from personal experience: OT 1 Samuel 17:34-37Isaiah 43:14-17; 51:9-11 David's experience teaches him to trust God. Jeremiah 16:14-15The exiles' confidence is based upon God's deliverance in the past: John 3:11See also Speaking from personal experience: NT John 20:18Acts 4:13 1 John 1:1-3 John 9:25 See also Mark 5:19-20John 4:28-29 pp Lk 8:39 Matthew 16:9-10Confidence based on past experience 2 Timothy 4:17-18pp Mk 8:18-20 See also The disciples' experience of Jesus Christ's provision should have taught them not to worry about food 1040 God, fatherhood1050 God, goodness of 1613 Scripture, purpose 3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling 5017 heart, renewal 6648 expiation 6671 grace & Christian life 6705 peace, experience 8031 trust, importance 8120 following Christ 8134 knowing God 8498 witnessing & Holy Spirit |
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